On October 10 Governor Newsom signed into law SB 79, which could forever change the landscape of residential neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
The Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act. SB 79’s is designed to fight California’s housing crisis by allowing developers to build more homes near major public transportation stops.
What it means to homeowners is that apartment developers can pack multi-story homes onto lots within a half mile of major bus routes, overriding any local zoning restrictions or objections from neighboring residents.
Opponents of the bill, including Mayor Karen Bass, claim that the bill will allow developers to build massive apartment complexes next door to single-family homes – or in the backyards of those homes. Surprisingly, the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council supported the bill, being one of very few neighborhood councils in favor of it.
SB 79 was introduced by Senator Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco) who said, “SB 79 unwinds decades of overly restrictive land use policies that have driven housing costs to astronomical levels, forcing millions of people to move far away from jobs and transit, to face massive commutes, or to leave California entirely. In signing the bill Newsom stated, “The world looks to California for leadership — it’s time to build modern, connected communities that fulfill California’s promise, meeting the needs of today and the next generation.”
Local homeowners and Realtors worry that the government is not considering the needs and wants of the current generation.
“I believe suburban neighborhoods should remain neighborhoods. There are issues such as privacy, parking and the impact on property values that will result from SB 79. This is a disaster for single-family homeowners,” said Cindy Libonati, a west valley resident and Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty.
Sherry Keowen, a longtime Valley Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty, added, “This will change the neighborhoods and our communities, and bring in a more transient environment, which certainly could have an impact on property values.”
Jessica Miller of Pinnacle Estate Properties, said, “SB 79 seems like a well-intentioned law, but I don’t believe it will significantly impact areas like Chatsworth, Northridge, or Granada Hills. With the existing limitations on land use, infrastructure, and transit access, large-scale development seems unlikely. Overall, I don’t expect to see much noticeable change in these communities”
SB79 is one huge example of Newsom’s commitment to the YIMBY movement (Yes in My Backyard), that has been campaigning for more housing during a housing shortage for over 10 years. Earlier this year Newsom signed legislation (AB 130 and SB131) to exempt most urban apartment developments from CEQA laws. He vowed to oversee construction of 3.5 million housing units by next year, but the state won’t hit even half that.
It is unknown what the exact effect SB79 will have on the residential market. High interest rates, tariffs and the reduced labor market – even more so with ICE raids – have led to a drop in building permit applications. Indeed, many resources and supplies available to Valley builders are being used to rebuild Altadena and the Palisades.
